Caffeine This is why the world produces more than 16 billion pounds of coffee beans per year. It's actually an alkaloid plant toxin (like nicotine and cocaine), a bug killer that stimulates us by blocking neuroreceptors for the sleep chemical adenosine. The result: you, awake. Water Hot H 2 O is a super solvent, leaching flavors and oils out of the coffee bean. A good cup of joe is 98.75 percent ...